Essential Travel Tips for Your Unforgettable Peru Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are our answers to some frequently asked questions about traveling to Peru and Cusco:
Should I buy travel insurance for my trip?
Yes, we highly recommend buying travel insurance to protect against any financial losses resulting from unforeseen circumstances, illness, cancellations, etc.
What vaccinations do I need to enter Peru?
Peru does not require proof of any vaccinations to enter the country, however the following vaccines are recommended:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Yellow fever (especially if visiting the jungle)
- Rabies (if visiting remote areas or if you will be in close contact with animals)
Is Peru safe to visit?
Yes, Peru is absolutely a safe destination to visit. Just like when visiting any country it is important to take certain precautions. Make sure to always keep your valuables within sight, be aware of your surroundings, don’t stay out too late at night, and try to avoid hailing taxis on the street (ask your hotel to call one for you instead). If you follow these simple safeguards, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
Can I drink tap water in Peru?
It is not recommended to drink water from the tap in Peru. Many hotels will provide you with bottled or filtered water to drink, but otherwise it will be necessary to visit a supermarket and buy some bottles of water.
How much money should I bring?
It is important to carry some money in local currency for daily expenses, dining out, tipping guides, etc. but it is not necessary to obtain Peruvian soles in your home country before your trip. You can use ATMs at any bank to withdraw Peruvian soles (check with your bank about possible fees), or you can bring American dollars and other common foreign currencies to exchange at a casa de cambio (currency exchange).
Can I use my credit card in Peru?
Yes, the majority of establishments accept credit cards, especially those located in tourist areas.
What type of electrical converter do I need?
Peru uses 220 volt electricity, with plugs most commonly being the two-pronged North American style. If any of your devices require 110 volt electricity it is a good idea to bring an adapter in order to avoid damage to the device.
A good option available on Amazon is the Ceptics Peru Travel Adapter, which is compatible with Type A and Type C outlets, the most commonly used plug types in Peru. This adapter features a compact design, dual USB ports for charging multiple devices, and built-in surge protection to safeguard your electronics from power surges.
What is the weather like in Cusco?
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb). It is generally dry and temperate, with two defined seasons. Winter occurs from May through September, with abundant sunshine and occasional nighttime freezes; July is the coldest month with an average of 9.7 °C (49.5 °F). Summer occurs from October through April, with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall; November is the warmest month, averaging 13.3 °C (55.9 °F). Although frost and hail are common, the last reported snowfall was in June 1911. Temperatures usually range from 0.2 to 20.9 °C (32.4 to 69.6 °F), but the all-time temperature range is between −8.9 and 30 °C (16.0 and 86.0 °F). Sunshine hours peak in July, the equivalent of January in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, February, the equivalent of August in the Northern Hemisphere, has the least sunshine.
Should I worry about altitude sickness?
While altitude sickness can happen, for the vast majority it is mild and passes after only a day or two. Make sure to let your doctor know that you will be traveling to a high altitude area and follow his or her recommendations, especially if you have heart problems or any other health condition that may be affected by high altitude. Once you’ve arrived in Cusco, make sure to give yourself a sufficient amount of time to acclimatize before attempting any strenuous activity.
What should I pack for my trip?
The following is a partial list of important things to pack for your trip to Peru:
- Light clothes for layering
- Warm sweater
- Regular trousers/pants
- Underwear and socks
- Warm jacket
- Warm hat & gloves
- Brimmed hat for sun
- Sneakers or regular shoes
- Flip flops for walking around the hotel or campsite
- Hiking boots
- Raincoat or poncho (especially if traveling during rainy season)
- Dress clothes for dining out
- Bathing suit
- Pajamas
- Sunblock with high SPF
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Canteen or reusable water bottle
- Power adapter
- Camera
- Extra toiletries
- Altitude sickness medication
What should I carry in my daypack?
You should try to pack your daypack as light as possible and only carry the things that you will need throughout the day. This should include your raincoat or poncho (just in case), water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sweater, toiletries, any medication you might need, and of course your camera.
How much should I tip?
As long as you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to tip your guides and drivers. Here are some rough guidelines for how much to tip:
- Guide: Tips for your guide should be based on the quality of the service you feel you’ve received. A typical tip may be from 20-40 soles ($5-10) per day.
- Driver: Tips for your driver should be based on the quality of the service you feel you’ve received. A typical tip may be from 5-10 soles ($1-3) per day.
It is also customary to tip restaurant and hotel staff in Peru. The following would be typical tipping standards for this staff:
- Waiters: A tip of 10% is considered customary for good service.
- Hotel doormen: A tip of 5-10 soles ($1-3 dollars) per bag is considered typical.
- Cleaning staff: A tip of 1-2 soles (25-50 cents) per day is considered typical.
It is not considered customary to tip taxis in Peru.